Sharp LC-60EQ10U Review (LC60EQ10U)

240Hz 60 Inch Edge Lit Quattron Smart LED TV 1080p

The Sharp LC-60EQ10U LED TV is a small step down from the SQ15 series, but offers quite a strong value. The Quattron+ for 4K playback and active 3D features have been left out, leaving behind a quality Full HD display with Smart TV features for many hundreds of dollars less. We are expecting this to be one of Sharp's best values for the year at around $1,400.

Strengths

Bright Peak Whites and light flow through makes for a brilliant picture

Quattron picture technology allows for better color reproduction

Colors are strongest with HD content

Value for the screen space is excellent

Reliable product life

240Hz for games and sports programming

Improved, easy to use Smart TV interface and built-in wifi speeds

Weaknesses

Semi-matte screen finish creates a flat looking picture

Weak side angle viewing

Built-in speaker performance is lacking with no built-in subwoofer

Picture Quality Rating: 82/100

A bright and colorful picture is the highlight of the Sharp LC-60EQ10U LED TV. The Quattron color technology adds yellow subpixels to the basic red, blue, green format to get even more color possibilities out of the display. Much more accurate color is the result. The 60EQ10 is an excellent performer in a bright room viewing situations where the amount of ambient light cannot be fully controlled.

Excellent levels of detail are seen in the EQ10 here. A bit of contrast and color loss are seen as well on the right side of the screen from off-center viewing

Side Viewing Angles

We've always seen a weakness with side viewing angles when it comes to these large format Sharp LED TVs. I will say that things are improving slightly. It definitely isn't going to compete with the high end LED TVs on the market, but it will be just fine in the right viewing room. The TV loses some contrast and color saturation due to the edge lit LEDs and the pure size of the TV.

240Hz Screen Refresh Rate

The Sharp LC-60EQ10U boasts an top tier refresh rate of 240Hz. The jump to 240 from 120 is not as noticeable 60 to 120, but it a welcome addition that adds a great deal of value to the TV. Fast refresh rates like this are best utilized with sports programming, video games, and fast action scenes of all kinds.

Features Rating: 82/100

Sharp Smart Central Smart TV Features

Sharp has redone their Smart Central Smart TV platform once again. They seem to be moving in the right direction, but haven't caught up to LG and Samsung. An interactive guide has been implemented that compiles information from the cable/sattelite box and streaming services for viewing available content in one place. All the standard apps are here as well. Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, Rhapsody, and all the social media you need. The web browser features split screen viewing so you can surf the web without interrupting your favorite program. That one is a pretty big deal as not everyone is doing that yet. All of these features are powered by a dual core processor.

This shot of the new interactive guide shows off the slick new interface Sharp has built into the Smart Central smart TV platform

Wallpaper Mode

This is an interesting feature that doesn't add much value to the TV, but we see it as something fun. Sharp’s claimed exclusive Wallpaper Mode gives users the ability to choose any image they would like for the screen to display when the TV is OFF. They claim the energy levels are extemely low and the brightness simulates museum conditions. This isn't going to be a selling point for the TV, but it's a neat idea that could provide some fun results.

Appearance and Design

The appearance of the EQ15 series is plain and simple, but it works well. In fact, there isn't much different when you compare it to the SQ15 series design. The thin black bezels and the black crescent shaped stand are typical when it comes to TV design for this class of TV. You don't get any of the avant-garde looks of the OLED and 4K models here. The overall thin depth is a welcome additions as well. The frame is aluminum, which is a nice touch and speaks to the known reliability of Sharp's TVs.

Value Rating: 88/100

The Sharp LC-60EQ10 LED TV is definately a good value buy. All of these make it a good buy for your TV room if you want a big screen for a value price. Flat picture depth and less than stellar sound quality are hits to the overall package, but don't take it out of the running. A retail price of $1,399 (sometimes less from online retailers) put it in pretty close competition with LED TVs from Samsung and LG. The Vizio E600i-B2 has a lower price tag, but not the reputation Sharp has for their big screen TVs.

Overall Rating: 83/100

Standout Features

Full HD 1080p resolution

60-3/32" Diagonal Screen Measurement

240Hz Refresh Rate Panel

4 HDMI inputs with 2 USB ports

2x 10 Watt down-firing speaker output

Dual Core Processor

Dimensions: 62.6 x 14.6 x 38.7 inches

Dimensions without stand (w x h x d): 54-1/4" x 31-57/64" x 2-9/32"

Dimensions with stand: 54-1/4" x 32-61/64" x 14-11/64"

Weight without stand: 71.7 lbs

Weight with stand: 79.4 lbs

Having reviewed and written about Television Technology for over 10 years, Wiley never tires of researching the newest qualitative trends related to the technology. Most people do not get excited about possibilities behind the latest video engine...Wiley does. Read more about Robert